British stars triumph at the Emmys

Fleabag creator Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Killing Eve star Jodie Comer led the way as British talent cleaned up at this year's Emmy Awards.

Spearheading what The Guardian describes as a “British invasion,” Fleabag was named best comedy at the ceremony in Los Angeles, with its star and writer Waller-Bridge picking up the awards for lead actress and outstanding writing in the category.

She said it was “reassuring” that a “dirty, pervy, messed-up woman can make it to the Emmys”. She also thanked her “Fleabag family”, paying tribute to the “incredible cast” who “brought incredible heart to this”.

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Fellow Brit Comer was named best actress in a drama for her role as psychopathic assassin Villanelle in Killing Eve. In her acceptance speech, the 26-year-old said she had not invited her parents because she did not believe she would win.

“I was not expecting to get up on this stage at all” she said, describing her Killing Eve “journey” as an “absolute whirlwind."

Other British winners included Ben Whishaw (A Very English Scandal) for outstanding supporting actor in a limited series and John Oliver for best variety series for Last Week Tonight. Jesse Armstrong grabbed best drama writing for HBO’s upstart Succession. Black Mirror’s film Bandersnatch won for best television movie.

Game of Thrones, which was nominated for a record 32 awards, took home the night’s final prize for outstanding drama series and a best supporting actor nod for US star Peter Dinklage.

The HBO drama triumphed over Pose, Bodyguard, Killing Eve, Succession, Better Call Saul, Ozark and This Is Us to take the big gong. “This all started in the demented mind of George R.R. Martin,” said the co-showrunner, David Benioff.